Kasubi Tombs: The Kasubi Tombs, 5km from Kampala on the Hoima road, is a massive domed structure, the burial place of the ancient kings of Buganda maintained by the Baganda tribe. The descendants of the ‘wives of the kings’ narrate the history of the site. The tomb has a variety of artifacts that belonged to the Kings, including a stuffed leopard that used to be a pet.

Namirembe and Rubaga Cathedrals: These cathedrals stand on prominent adjacent hills to the west of the city, commanding spectacular views of Kampala. Namirembe, also known as St. Paul’s Cathedral, is the oldest cathedral in Uganda, built by Anglicans. On the Rubaga hill is the Rubaga Cathedral, seat of the Catholic Church. Both cathedrals are well worth a visit.

Namugongo Martyrs Shrine: Located 12km outside the city center on the Kampala-Jinja road is the site where in 1886 more than 20 Ugandan Christian converts were burned alive on the orders of Kabaka (King) Mwanga. This beautiful steel structure, a Catholic church, stands at the scene of the atrocity. Every year on June 3, the country celebrates Martyrs’ Day, when thousands of people make a religious pilgrimage to Namugongo. A new church has recently been built on this site to accommodate the thousands of pilgrims who arrive on the day of the martyrs.

kabaka lake: This is the largest excavated lake in Africa. It is located on the eastern side of Kampala and can be accessed via the Pope Paul Memorial Community Center, Kibuye, or the Namirembe road. This lake was supposedly excavated on the orders of Kabaka (King) Mwanga in the 1880s as an escape corridor to Lake Victoria.

Kabaka Palace and Office: Although this is usually off limits to visitors, it is worth taking a walk through the palace. An interesting feature is the straight path from the palace to his office and this is because local superstitions dictate that you should not turn a corner from your house to your office. There is a roundabout with a special path in the middle that only he can use and is otherwise blocked. The Kabaka Palace also has statues of previous Kabakas.

Baha’i Temple: This temple is the only one of its kind in all of Africa. It is a serene place with beautiful gardens, perched on Kikaya Hill with great views of the Kampala suburbs. It is located on the Gayaza highway about 10 km from the city. It is an ideal place to have a picnic and do some bird watching. You are allowed to enter the temple as long as silence is observed.

Kibuli Mosque and Hindu Temple: The Kibuli Mosque is the center of worship for the Islamic faith in Uganda. It is located on one of the many hills, southwest of Kampala, off the access road. Framed by palm trees, this mosque is one of the main attractions in the city.

The huge Hindu temple is located in the center of the city, near the Nakasero market. During Diwali and other religious festivals, it is lit up at night with hundreds of fairy lights.

Ugandan Museum: The museum is located in the center of Kira Street in Kamwokya and has interesting exhibits on natural and cultural history. It is a good place to start your Uganda safari if you want to understand the history of Uganda. Another feature of the museum is the collection of traditional musical instruments and other relics that visitors can handle.

parliament building: This impressive building on Parliament Avenue in the center of the city is the symbol of independence.

Makerere University: The main building of the imposing university stands out prominently in the city’s skyline, atop Makerere Hill. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in East and Central Africa.

galleries: The Nommo Gallery is located on Victoria Ave, Nakasero, where works of art by famous artists from Uganda and East Africa are exhibited. There are a number of other galleries worth visiting including Tulifanya, Gallery Café, Cassava Republic, Nyanzi Art Studio, Makerere School of Fine Art, Gallery Okapi and The Creations Ltd.

Points of reference:There are many monumental sites in Kampala, and visitors or newcomers may wish to know what they represent:

  • The Independence Monument, located near the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, symbolizes the birth of a new Uganda ruled by a black majority.
  • The Queen’s Tower on Entebbe Road has the oldest clock in the city commonly known as ‘the Queen’s clock’ or ‘Esaawa ya Kwini’! It recognizes the occasion when the Queen of England visited Uganda.
  • Next to the Queen’s clock is the Pan Africanism Victory Park commemorating the South African struggle against apartheid.
  • The World War Veterans Memorial in Kampala’s Constitutional Square, just below the High Courts, recognizes the brave Ugandans who died in action during the First and Second World Wars.

Nakasero and Owino markets: These two markets are in the heart of the city where you can find everything for home and garden, hardware and accessories, as well as clothes, fruits and vegetables. The hustle and bustle of Owino is fascinating to experience, but remember to watch out for pickpockets.

Malls: There are malls in the city such as Garden City, Nakumatt Oases, Capital Shoppers and Lugogo Malls.